Pardubice Region

Czech Republic, Europe

Pardubice Region is a STATE in Czech Republic, Europe.

Nestled in the heart of East Bohemia, the Pardubice Region is a tapestry of fairy‑tale châteaux, fragrant gingerbread workshops, and exhilarating horse racing. The capital, Pardubice, enchants with its pastel‑hued Renaissance square, the iconic Green Gate, and the exquisite Pernštejn‑era castle. But the region’s soul beats loudest on the second Sunday in October, when the world’s oldest and toughest steeplechase, the Velká Pardubická, thunders across the course. Beyond the city, a necklace of manor houses unfolds: humpbacked Kunětická Hora rises above the plains, while the Baroque beauty of Slatiňany and the UNESCO‑listed Litomyšl await. Cycle or stroll the Elbe River trails, explore the Iron Mountains’ sandstone labyrinths, or taste the legendary Pardubice gingerbread – a craft protected by EU law. With folk festivals, outdoor theatres, and farm‑to‑table cuisine, the region offers a warm, unhurried Czech welcome. It’s a land of gentle landscapes that suddenly surprise you: a hilltop ruin, a glass‑fronted spa, or a meadow grazed by Kinský horses. Pardubice Region is tradition steeped in perfume of honey and pepper, best savoured slowly.

Best time to visit Pardubice Region

Mid‑April to mid‑June and September to early October offer the best balance of mild weather, blooming or golden landscapes, and manageable crowds. July and August are warmest and host open‑air festivals, but popular sites get busy. October’s crown jewel is the Velká Pardubická steeplechase, a must for equestrian lovers; book accommodation months ahead. Winter is quiet, with possible snow and charming Christmas markets in Pardubice and Litomyšl, though some châteaux may close.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Rain
Temperature
10°
Feels like
7°
Humidity
75%
Wind
13 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Cool 6-13°C, crisp days

Travel notes

Crowds
High (during race weekend)
Prices
Peak (race weekend)

Velká Pardubická horse race – a must‑see; book months ahead.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

PED

Pardubice Airport

Regional

4 km away

PRG

Václav Havel Airport Prague

International

120 km away

BRQ

Brno–Tuřany Airport

International

130 km away

WRO

Copernicus Airport Wrocław

International

180 km away

Getting around

"Pardubice is a major rail junction; fast trains connect it to Prague (1 hour) and Brno. Regional buses and trains efficiently link smaller towns, while the IREDO integrated transport system unifies timetables and tickets. The region is a cycling paradise with an extensive network of well‑marked paths along the Elbe and into the hills. Rental bikes and scooters are available in Pardubice. For remote châteaux, a car is useful; parking is generally easy and cheap."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in city centres, hotels, and cafes; free municipal Wi‑Fi in parts of Pardubice.

Local SIM

Prepaid SIM cards available at Pardubice Airport and newsagents from $5 (approx. 100 CZK)

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Exceptionally safe. Violent crime is rare; occasional pickpocketing or taxi overcharging in tourist hotspots.

Night safety

8/10

Exceptionally safe. Violent crime is rare; occasional pickpocketing or taxi overcharging in tourist hotspots.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

8/10

"The Pardubice Region is very safe, with low violent crime rates. Normal precautions against pickpocketing in crowded events or tourist spots are advised. At night, stay in well‑lit areas; main squares and transport hubs are generally safe. Road safety is good, but watch for cyclists and wildlife on rural roads. Emergency services respond quickly. Solo travel, including for women, is secure. Use licenced taxis or ride‑hailing apps to avoid scams."

Entry and health

Health information

"EU travellers should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) for access to public healthcare; non‑EU visitors must have travel insurance. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere. The region has a low risk of tick‑borne encephalitis and Lyme disease, especially in wooded and grassy areas; wear long sleeves, use repellent, and check for ticks after hikes. Standard vaccinations are recommended. Medical facilities are good in Pardubice and larger towns, with pharmacies (lékárna) widely available. For emergencies, dial 112 or 155."

Culture

Local customs

"Czechs are reserved but warm; a handshake and direct eye contact serve as a greeting. Say ‘dobrý den’ (good day) when entering shops and restaurants. Dress is smart casual; in churches and at classical concerts, avoid shorts and bare shoulders. Remove shoes when entering someone’s home. In eateries, wait to be seated unless it’s self‑service. The region takes pride in its UNESCO‑protected gingerbread tradition – never pass up a tasting. Tipping 10 % is the norm for good service. Public drinking and loud behaviour are frowned upon; respect the quiet nature of village life."
Czech (official)SlovakEnglishGermanPolishCzechSlovak (minority)German (minority)

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$6 | a cheap local meal (lunch special) costs around $6

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus or tram ride ~$1

Cost notes

Pardubice Region offers excellent value, noticeably cheaper than Prague. Dining out at mid‑range restaurants is very affordable.

Timezone

Europe/Prague
Local time 04:12

More facts

Population

520,000

ISO code

CZ-86

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: PED, Pardubice, Pardubices, Pardubicy, Pardubicės, Pardubitse, Pardubitz, Parntoumpitse, bardwbytsh, pa er du bi cai, paleudubiche, par du bit se, paradubisa, pardubisa, pardwbys, pardwbytsh, parudoubitsue, prdwbyzh, Παρντούμπιτσε, Пардубитсе, Пардубице, פרדוביצה, باردوبيتسه, پاردوبیتسه, پاردوبیتسے, پاردوبیس, पर्दुबिस, পার্ডুবিস, ਪਾਰਡੂਬਿਸ, ปาร์ดูบีตเซ, პარდუბიცე, ፓridubise, ፓርዱቢሰ, パルドゥビツェ, 帕尔杜比采, 파르두비체, Pardubický kraj, Pardubitzer Region, Regiono Pardubice, Pardubički kraj, Pardubicei kerület, Pardubicių kraštas, Kraj pardubicki, Пардубицкий край, CZ-53

Capital CityMajor HubHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingCyclingCastlesUNESCOBeerGingerbread